Dear Family, Friends, and Supporters,

My name is Fritz Acquah, and I’m currently in my second year (P2) at Howard University College of Pharmacy, pursuing my Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. My journey into healthcare is rooted not only in education but in lived experience.

I was born and raised in Ghana, where I witnessed firsthand the challenges that many face when it comes to accessing even the most basic healthcare. I saw mothers walk miles to clinics, patients turned away due to lack of resources, and families struggling under the weight of preventable illnesses. These memories have stayed with me and have fueled my passion to become a pharmacist — not just to dispense medication, but to be part of a larger movement toward health equity.

Now, years later, I have the incredible opportunity to return to Ghana — not just as the child who once observed the cracks in the system, but as a student pharmacist ready to help repair them. This December, I’ll be traveling to Ghana for 11 days with the Gold Coast Medical Foundation (GCMF), a nonprofit founded by Dr. Kwaku and Dr. Kwabena Boakye. GCMF is dedicated to improving healthcare in developing countries through sustainable, community-driven partnerships. Gold Coast Medical Foundation.

In preparation for this meaningful journey back to Ghana, I’ll be taking part in trainings provided by the Gold Coast Medical Foundation (GCMF). These sessions will cover vital topics such as cultural sensitivity, social determinants of health, and the most pressing health concerns in Ghana today. I want to be as informed, respectful, and effective as possible when working with the communities I hold close to my heart.

While in Ghana, I’ll be volunteering in mobile clinics to offer free health screenings, distributing donated medical supplies, and volunteering at the Tetteh-Quarshie Memorial Hospital. I’ll also help host food pantries, provide wound care, and ensure access to necessary medications — all at no cost to the individuals we serve. These services are often life-saving, especially in under-resourced areas.

It fills me with deep joy and purpose to be able to return to West Africa — not just to give, but to listen, learn, and grow alongside the very people and culture that helped shape me. But I also know I can’t do this alone.

As a volunteer, I am responsible for covering the cost of my travel, lodging, and other necessary expenses to make this trip possible. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:

• Round-trip flight to Ghana: $2000 – $3500 (based on when the ticket is bought)

• Yellow Fever vaccine: $170 – $240

• Ghana travel visa: $200 (expedite)

• Program fees: $880 (covers lodging, meals, in-country transportation, and clinic site access)

My goal is to raise north of $4500 through a combination of crowdfunding, scholarships, and travel grants. Every contribution — no matter the size — brings me one step closer to serving communities in need and growing into a more compassionate, globally minded healthcare professional.

If you feel moved to support this mission financially, I would be deeply grateful. And even if you’re not in a position to give, your prayers and well wishes mean just as much — for me, and especially for the communities we’ll be working with, who face so many health challenges with resilience and grace.

If you’d like to learn more about GCMF’s work or donate directly to their mission, you can follow this link: GCMF

To follow my journey and see updates from the trip, feel free to connect with me on Instagram: [Owura_mey3].

From the bottom of my heart — thank you for walking with me on this journey.

With gratitude and hope,

Fritz Acquah